A17717:32
Sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the.X.Commandments of the Law, given of GodSermons of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the.X.Commandementes of the Lawe, geuen of God
Sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the.X.Commandments of the Law, given of God by Moses, otherwise called the Decalogue. Gathered word for word, presently at his sermons, when he preached on Deuteronomy, without adding unto, or diminishing from them any thing afterward. Translated out of French into English, by I.H.Sermons of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the.X.Commandementes of the Lawe, geuen of God by Moses, otherwise called the Decalogue. Gathered word for word, presently at his sermons, when he preached on Deuteronomie, without adding vnto, or diminishing from them any thing afterward. Translated out of Frenche into English, by I.H.
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for John Harison, 1579London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Iohn Harison, 1579
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Now we understand the meaning of Moses, from whence we have to gather a good lesson, that is, that if God declare not himself unto us after so high & glorious a manner as our lust desireth, let us know that he doeth it for our profit and salvation. For let us have an eye to our infirmity, and it will be sufficient to abate that over boldness, to the which our nature always stirreth us. For we would inquire and seek after the secrets of God, without end or measure: And why is that? Verily, because we consider not our own power and ability. Wherefore let us praise the great goodness of our God, for that he in favour so considereth of us, & regardeth our weakness, that he is content to hide his glory▪ least we should be swallowed up thereof. For as I have already said, we can not bear it, being so frail & weak as we are. And here withal let us know, that when God giveth us some evident sign and token of his presence, there resteth then no excuse, if we yield not to him the honour, and do him the homage he is worthy of. Let us not then desire that God come in his inestimable glory, that the heavens cleave in sunder, that all the Angels of heaven appear: but when the Lord any way declareth, that it is he which speaketh, let it suffice us, and let us humble our selves incontinently. For if then we will forslow to yield him our duty, we shall be sharply reproved for turning our back to him, when he showeth his face to us. It is true that it is said in an other place, That men cannot see the face of God,1 & live. And although Moses had a wonderful revelation of the glory of God,2 as he speaketh in Exodus 33, That the Lord spake face to face unto him,3 as a man speaketh unto his friend: ⟨image 13⟩yet is it said, That he saw but the back of GOD only: but this is to the end always to show us, that while we be environed in this flesh, we ought not to approach unto the majesty of GOD, or think to mount so high.4 For if the very Angels of heaven, under the figure of Cherubims, hide their eyes, when there is any mention of the appearance of God, what must we do which do but trail here and creep on the ground? But how so ever it be, God will condemn us of unthankfulness, when we will not behold his face, & be sufficiently contented with those visible signs, which he showeth us of his presence.